Harlan Johnson

HARLAN JOHNSON

Harlan Lloyd Johnson was born June 25, 1939 in Lakota, ND, the son of Harold and Frances (Lloyd) Johnson. Harlan and his family moved to Greenville, IA where Harlan attended school. Following his graduation from high school Harlan joined the United States Air Force.

While serving in the Air Force, Harlan was trained as an aircraft mechanic. He served at several Air Force Bases including Harlingen AFB in Texas, James Connally AFB in Texas, Offutt AFB in Nebraska and Scott AFB in Illinois. He held the rank of Staff Sergeant. While in the service Harlan was united in Marriage to Janet Heidelbauer at Sioux Rapids, IA. The couple made their home wherever Harlan was serving. They were blessed with two sons, Jody and Jeffrey. Harlan also served in Vietnam. During a mortar attack on the base where he was serving, Harlan acted to transport three wounded men to a hospital. Harlan was also severely wounded. For this action Harlan was awarded a Bronze Star with valor and a Purple Heart. Harlan returned to the United States to recover from his injuries. Following his discharge from the service he returned to Sioux Rapids.

Harlan continued his education and became a television repairman. He ran a repair shop in Sioux Rapids. Harlan also worked at the Sioux Rapids Post Office and drove the local ambulance. He volunteered his time as a fireman to the Sioux Rapids Fire Department.

In 1976 Harlan moved his family to the Alexandria, MN area where he purchased and operated the Ironwood Resort on Smith Lake. Harlan and Janet operated the resort for nineteen years before retiring.

After retirement, Harlan and Janet travelled throughout the western United States in their RV. In 2002 they bought a home in Alexandria but continued to spend winters traveling.

Harlan loved traveling and camping. He and Janet took some cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean. Harlan liked spending time playing cards. He enjoyed old movies, especially westerns. Harlan also enjoyed country western music.

Harlan was a former member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and the Elks. He was also a member of First Lutheran Church in Alexandria.

On Wednesday, June 20, 2018 Harlan died at the age of seventy-eight years. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Karen Lea Johnson; and two brothers-in-law, Laddie Hejlik and James Greene. Harlan is survived by his wife, Janet Johnson of Alexandria; sons, Jody Johnson and wife, Tami and grandchildren, Max and Amanda, of Kirkland, WA and Jeffrey Johnson and wife, Heidi and granddaughter, Emily, of Hopkins, MN; brother, Robert Johnson and wife, Karen, of Porter, ME; two sisters, Beverly Eidsness and husband, Harold of Lakota, ND and Barbara Greene of Webb, IA; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held 2 PM Saturday, July14, 2018 at the First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 PM at the church. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. www.andersonfuneral.net

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Hospice of Douglas County.